Faouzi Ghoulam Returns to Algeria Squad Ahead of Malawi Qualifiers
By [Reporter Name], BBC Sport Africa
Algeria’s preparations for their crucial back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi have received a timely boost, with Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam confirming his return to the national team.
The 23-year-old left-back, who missed the opening rounds of the qualifiers due to a wrist injury sustained earlier in the season, has now fully recovered and is set to rejoin the Fennecs squad. His call-up was officially announced by SSC Napoli via their website and social media platforms, where the club wished him success on international duty.
Ghoulam’s return is a welcome development for head coach Christian Gourcuff, who is yet to formally unveil his full squad for the double-header against Malawi, scheduled for the third and fourth matchdays of the Morocco 2015 qualification campaign.
Earlier in the day, Africa Top Sports reported that forward Nabil Ghilas—currently on loan at Spanish side Córdoba from FC Porto—has also been recalled, underscoring Gourcuff’s intent to reinforce the squad with both experience and form players.
Ghoulam’s absence in the first two qualifying matches was felt, but his comeback is expected to strengthen Algeria’s defence as they seek to maintain momentum in their qualification campaign. The Fennecs began their journey to Morocco 2015 in strong fashion and are keen to secure qualification with games to spare.
Christian Gourcuff, who took over from Vahid Halilhodžić after the 2014 World Cup, continues to fine-tune his squad as he balances a promising generation of talent with the demands of continental competition. The inclusion of fully fit players like Ghoulam and Ghilas is a key part of that strategy.
Algeria, one of Africa’s top-ranked sides, will be looking to assert their dominance in the group and ensure qualification for the tournament, which will take place from January 17 to February 8, 2015.
